Apparatus for handling cylindrical objects



June 11, 1957 F. L DILLINGHAM l APPARATUS FOR HANDLING CYLINDRICAL OBJECTS Filed Feb. 23. 1954 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 June 11, 1957 Filed Feb. A225. 1954 F. L. DILLINGHAM APPARATUS FOR HANDLING CYLINDRICAL OBJECTS 9 Sheets-Shes?l 2 INVENTOR. El.pz'z'rly ham.

June 11, 1957 F. l., DILLINGHAM 2,795,320

APPARATUS FOR HANDLING CYLINDRICAL OBJECTS Filed Feb.- 23. 1954 9 sheets-sheet s IN V EN TOR.

June 11, 1957 F. l.. DILLINGHAM 2,795,320

' APPARATUS FOR HANDLING CYLINDRICAL OBJECTS Filed Feb. '25, 1954 v 9 sheets-sheet 4 I ll NVENTOR.

June 11, 1957 F.1VD1LL1NGHAM APPARATUS FOR HANDLING CYLINDRICAL DBJEC''S Filed Feb. 23, 1954 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. ffL-Dz'Zl'ng/zam ffiforneys.

June' 11, 1957 F. L DILLINGHAM mmmvrusl AFOR HANDLING CYLINDRICAL YoBJlICTs Filed Feb. 23. 1954 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENToR. Y I El. Dillingham, BY

June 11, 1957 F. L DiLLlNGl-IAM 2,795,320

v I APPARATUS F 0R HANDLING CYLINDRICAL OBJECTS Filed Feb 23, 195.4 9 She'ets-Sheet '7 V IN V EN TOR.

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. June 11, 1957 F. L, DILLINGHAM 2,795,320

APPARATUS Foa HANDLING cmNnRicA. oBJEcTs Filed Feb. 23, 1954 I s sheets-sheet s June 1l, 1957 y F. L DILLINGHAM APPARATUS FOR HANDLING CYLINDRICAL QBJECTS Filed Feb. A2:5, 1954 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 United States. 'o

APPARATUS FR HANDLING CYLINDRICAL OBJECTS Application February 23, 1954, Serial No. 411,823

14 Claims. (Cl. 203'75) This invention relates broadly to the art of handling and mampulating elongated substantially cylindrical ar- -tic1es.

The invention is particularly related to the timber industry, and still more particularly it relates to a mechanism for use in association with a debarking means for removing bark from logs.

Still more particularly, this invention relates to a feed mechanism for properly positioning and correlating logs to be debarked with relation to a debarking means, and to an improved debarking mechanism. The invention is therefore broadly related to a debarking machine.

In the art of removing bark from logs, there are presently utilized numerous different types of machines. In some, the log to be debarked is fed while it is restrained against rotation and a debarking means known as a rotary head rotates on a horizontal axis and the log is fed through the head. This rotary-head-type debarking means can incorporate debarking tools which can be actuated in accordance with the principles Set forth in Andersson Patent 2,623,558, issued December 30, 1952, or the head can embody va fluid-jet arrangement to remove the bark by impact of lluid jets under high pressure.

In other debarking machines, a log is held against longitudinal movement and is rotated about its own axis and debarking tools, or jets if a iluid-type machine is used, traverse. the log longitudinally thereof. Within this sphere of debarking is also embodied machines in which rotary-blade means, in the form of knives, are traversed longitudinally of the log while the latter rotates.

It is thus clear that each type of debarking machine of the broad category set forth above entails a particular problem in handling the log and consequently the loghandling or feed means must be constructed and correlated with the particular type of debarking arrangement that is utilized. This factor holds constant regardless of whether the debarking tool is knife-edged and removes the bark by cutting action or Whether it is a blunttype tool as disclosed in the above mentioned Andersson patent. In other types of debarking machines such as embodied in Carpenter, 2,601,261, issued June 24, 1952, a rotary debarking head of the ilail type is embodied with respect to which logs are slowly fed and rotated. This type arrangement requires a particular feed or loghandling construction that would not be adaptable for utilization with the other types mentioned above, and is not adapted to operate on logs of widely different diameters. Thus the art is replete with numerous debarking arrangements each of which requires a feed or loghandling mechanism correlated with the particular type of debarking action.

-This invention therefore has for one broad object to provide'a log-handling or feed means which can be termed a universal type and adapted for any of the abovementioned debarking mechanisms. l

It is an additional object to provide an improved debarking machine in which the universal feed mechanism cooperates with an improved debarking means to effect more efficacious removal of bark from logs.

It is a further and important object to provide a fee-d mechanism for elongated substantially cylindrical articles such as logs, pipes to be cleaned or descaled, poles to be coated and like objects which incorporates plural sets of substantially spherical supporting means with each set including a spaced pair of such spherical supporting means and the sets being in longitudinal alignment and operative to selectively move an object longitudinally while it is held against rotation, move the object longitudinally and rotate it simultaneously or hold the `object axially stationary while rotating it about its axis. v.

As a further particular object, the present invention provides drive means for each spherical supporting member including means synchronizing the movements thereof and mechanism for simultaneously positioning the various members relative to the initial line of travel of the log or object to adjustably impart a selected move.- ment to the object or log.

As a further and more particular object, this invention provides an improved debarking machine incorporating an improved means to traverse the debarking mechanism.

A further particular object includes the provision of an improved Hail-type debarking head.

Further and more particular objects will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like characters of reference denote the same or similar parts in all figures, and in which: l

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a form of the invention as embodied in a debarking machine constructed in accordance with the invention, Figure 2 is a top plan view of the arrangement illustrated in Figure 1 with parts removed,

Figure 3 is a fragmentary view partly in vertical section and on an enlarged scale of a pair of supporting members as seen from the right in Figure l, but illustrating the ball-supporting yokes rotated clockwise about a vertical axis from their positions shown in Figure 2, g Figure 4 is an end view partly in section along lines 4--4 of Figure 5 illustrating an electrically driven debarking mechanism, including fluid-operated position-adjusting means,

Figure 5 is a view of the debarking mechanismv of Figure 4 as seen from the rear,

Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating a modified form of debarking mechanism,

Figure 7 illustrates a detail of the form shown ure 6,

Figures 8 and 8a partially illustrate one form of ilail construction,

Figures 9 and 9a partially illustrate a modified tlail construction, 1

Figures 10, 11 and 12 diagrammatically illustrate a pair of the spherical or spheroidal supporting members in different adjusted positions,

Figures 13 and 14 illustrate respectively in elevation and partial section a modified form of bark removing elements,

Figure 15 isa partial view in exploded perspective illustrating a further form of ail construction,

Figure 16 illustrates the form of flail construction shown in Figure 15 in cross section, and

Figures 17, 18 and 19 respectively diagrammatically illustrate modied mechanism for simultaneously turnin the ball elements about vertical axes.

v While the drawings illustrate the invention and the claims hereinafter set forth, at least in part specifically in Fig-v avonsao comprehpgd ua nail j,type,debarking head, -it is to be unde i005 that the Planas Qf .the .Present invention .nar-

"ticiil'a'i-ly relatedtoflog handling can be operably asso- "components therefor and a `second frame structure noted `atmZwliich isfvertically disposed and extends longitudi- 'iallyfof the line of `travel yof the log. The frame structu'rje `2` includes an `upper horizontal `supporting rail 3, IFigure 2,'.u`p'ori which'a `debark'ing .mechanism denoted diagrmmatically at B islongitudinally movable. The details"o`f theftlebarking mechanism and the drive thereyfoi' and fthe'nieans ,for traversing Athe `same along rail 3 will be described Hereinafter.

The lpg'sto 'be'debarlke'd are lfed from right to left as Aviewed "in Figures l 'and 2 by conventional -tinted roller or other"type lo'g conveyors, notshown. The logs then enter'thefsphere `ofaction of the log supporting and handling .means'of theinve'ntion which in the form illustrated includes plural pairs of supporting members 4, each Pal? includes two substantially spheroidal ball elemerits "eachf'comprising substantially hemispherical elements 5. The elements are approximately 18" in dia'rneter, in a"practical construction, and spaced so that theircenters are approximately 22" apart,so that two 9 spherical elements will cradle a log therebetween. The outer surfacesl of the hemispheroidal elements 5 are fluted oi' toothed yto provide log-gripping surfaces. The teeth are approximately in height, l wide at the bases ai1d"the"ibases are spaced approximately 1,/2." at the largest diameter of the spherical component but the spacing betweenthe bases and the width of each base will decrease toward the axis of the ball elements. This axis of rotation is horizontal and is provided by a shaft 6 which'is'supported by a yoke element 7, Figure 3. The ball halves are journaled on shaft 6 and areconnected toone" another by a'cylindrical sleeve 8 and an'annular bevel' Agear 92` The yball halves on their inner'faces are provided with depressions l'which` respectively receive a lug 11 on'an outer faceof the gear 9`and teeth 12 on one end of the 'spacersleevef'4 A further 44set of teeth 12 on an opposite end of the spacer tit in depressions 13 on the inner or bevel face of the gear 9. Thus as shown Figure 3, the right-hand ball half is coupled to the gear 9'which in turn is coupled t'o'the spacer 8 and the latter is coupled to the left-hand ball'half'so that rotation of gear 9 will `drive bothAV ball `halves about shaft 6. Gear 9 is driven by bevel gear 14 carried -by avertical shaft 15 positioned coaxially withina vertical sleeve 16 that is connected to the yoke 7. The shaft 15 is longer than the sleeve 16y and thusV projects therebeneath and carries on its lower end a sprocket wheel 17"ar`1d a bevel gear 18 provided in association with one ball member of each pair. The bevel gears 18 are driven by'cooperating bevel gears `19- fastened. to a line shaft 20 which receives drive from a sprocket drive 21 driven byy an electric motor 22. Thus in the arrangement shown, the ball on the left hand side of the axis of the line of feed as viewed from'the right of Figure 2 is directly driven'from line shaft 20.V The companion ball of each pair is driven through a sprocket drive at l-l ratio including the sprockets 17 splined to the vertical shafts 15. The sleeves 16 have mounted thereon lever means 23 and `all of thelever means on each side of the longitudinal axis of the machine are .coupled by links 24. The lever means at the infeed end of the machine are bell-crank levers 23'.' These `bell-cranklevers are connected together by a link 25 which is rocked by the piston 26 of a hydraulic or other tluid-type motor In `the position illustrated in Figures l and v2, the balls or spheroidal supporting elements are shown adjusted in `that position in Awhich .each shaft 6 .is .parallel tothe longitudinal axis of the machine -from Which it follows that a log supported on the three illustrated sets of supporting members will only rotate about its own axis. The drive to the balls rotates the same counterclockwise as viewed from the right of Figures l and 2 so that a log supported thereon will rotate clockwise as` viewed from that end of the machine. The `drive for the liail is such that the rotary shaft thereof rotates counterclockwise.

To feedy a log forwardly, the yokes are turned clockwise about a vertical axis from their positions in Figure 2 to the positions shown in Figure 3 so that shafts 6 lie transversely of the line of feed and the balls rotate counterclockwise as viewed from the operators side (the nearmost side in Figure l), or from the left side of Figure 3. In intermediate positions of adjustment of shafts 6 as set forth hereinafter, the balls `rotate to feed a log from right to left in the drawings while turning it clockwise about its axis. The linkage connecting the yokes for simultaneous turning is further so designed that the axes `of shafts `6 can Ibe turned through an angle of more or less to permit retrograde and rotary movement of logs las desired. Therefore, the cooperation of the debarking means regardless of the type are that embodied on the carriage that goes along rail 3 with the log to be debarked can be correlated by the selectivity of movement of the debarking means and the balls. For example, if bark is particularly tenacious, the barking `mechanism B can be held stationary while the log is merely rotated on its axis or the log can be stopped in a selected position with the debarking means stationary or movable along a stationary log if there is a longitudinal hollow therein. ln the position shown in Figure 2, it is assumed that the debarking mechanism has been traversed relative to frame 1 from a stop 3 back to the right-hand or infeed end and the log that has just been debarked is then removed `by actuating the hydraulic motor 2 7 to move the links 24 to rock the levers'ZS and thus turn the yokes of each pair and the ball means supported thereby in unison from a posi tion shown diagrammatically in Figure l2 to the position shown in Figure 10, which will cause outfeed of the log to the left, and which corresponds to the position shown in Figure 3. If desired, the ball members during debarking can -be adjusted to an intermediate position as indicated in Figure ll where the log is fed to the left and rotated clockwise as viewed from the right. The speed of advance of the log and the rotation of ther log is determined by the angle through which the yokes are turned and the speed of rotation of the ball members. Thus as an example, with balls of 18" diameter, 'the machine will handle logs from 8 to 14 long with onlyV two' sets of balls as supporting elements at a feed speed of forl example 40 linear feet per minute. 'If the logs are nfroml4 to 20' in length, three sets of balls may be desirable. Thus the size and number of the ball members may be correlated with the length and diameter of the log to `be debarked, since log diameters of over 30 or more may require larger spherical support elements and stronger drives and frame components.

The horizontal frame 1 includes a series of cross struts 1 which provide an adequate support for each vertical shaft-15 and sleeve 16. As illustrated in Figure l, these struts are box-shaped girders.

One form `of the debarking mechanism and its supports are better illustrated in Figures 4 and 5. 'The horizontal rail 3 forms a track which in effect includes vertically spaced rails for supporting a carriage 29. This carriage includes front and rear plates Z9. and 29, a top setjof flanged rollers- 3i), ofwhich there are at least two, and a similarly arranged lower set of rollers 31 respectively engaging the upper and loweranges of the horizontal rail and supporting the carriage yfor rolling movement. Securedfto the rear plate29" of the carriage 29 are spaced vertical guides 32. ISlidably mounted for verticalmovement between the guides" is a slide 134 'including upper and lower transverse braces 132 and' 133 respectively connected to vertical components 134 of slide 134. Adjacent the top of slide 134 there is fixed spaced supporting plates 37. Carried by the lower end yof the slide is a platform 33 supporting an electric motor 34 for driving the debarking means. One or more antifriction rollers 35 are mounted on rear plate 29 and engages inside the vertical flange of a lower rail 36 to stabilize the carriage. The upperpart of the slide has the two supporting plates 37 projecting from the rear face thereof and secured to the vertical components of slide 1-34. These supporting plates are interconnected `by a transverse web 38 and at their upper portions are provided with aligned apertures. A bracket element 39 is mounted on the outer face of each of the support plates and supports a pillow block 40 for journalling a shaft 41. Within the apertures of the supporting plates 37 are fixed sleeve elements 42 which rotatably support boss members 43 carried by respective arms 44 of the frame of the debarking head for vertical tilting movement of the frame to raise the head out of the path ofl an oncoming log. These arms 44 are connected by cross Webs 44 .and their outer ends support the frame 45, which houses the rotary debarking means, for rocking movement about a pivot pin 45 to accommodate variations in slope which may occur along the surface of a log. The frame 45 includes a protecting lshield 46. The frame and shield house a rotatable horizontal shaft 47 which carries a plurality yof chain ail elements 48, Figure l, which effect debarking action. A pair of vertically adjustable guard bars 49 depend on opposite sides from the frame 45 to ride on the surface of the log being debarked and assure maximum efiiciency of the chain flails. A ychain or belt drive 50 connects the shaft 47 with a further horizontal shaft 51 driven by a belt 52 from a further pulley 53 carried by the shaft 41. The shaft 41 is driven by a belt 54 from the motor 34. lAs pointed lout the axis of the 'shaft 41 is the axis about which the debarking head may tilt vertically. A uid cylinder-and-piston motor '5 has its cylinder pivotally connected to the top of the horizontal brace 133 on the slide and its piston slidably received in a slee-ve 55 which is pivotally connected to the underside of a cross brace 135 that extends between thearms 44. This sleeve 55 is movable through a cut-out portion or slot in the top horizontal vbrace 1312 and a strap memberl 132 prevents the sleeve from becoming disassociated from the cross brace and also reinforces the brace. The fiuid motor 5S can swing the frame of the deb-arking head upwardly while the weight kof the head will cause the frame to swing down whenever iiu'id is being released` from the underside of the piston of the motor. This fluid motor 55 functions to raise the frame of the debarking head high enough to let a log pass thereunder. To raise and lower the debarking mechanism including its frame, to accommodate logs of different diameters, a double-acting uid motor 155 is connected between the lower end of the rear plate 29" of the carriage and the under surface of the horizontal brace 133. This motor is operative to adjust the vertical height of the slide and the debarking frame while the motor 55 is operable to raise the ldebarking frame relative to -its'initial vertically adjusted position. The tilting action effected by the motor 55 will accommodate logs of from 5 to 28 in diameter while the slide will permit adjustment lof the head to accommodate logs of about 40 in combination with the tilting action.

In order to control the rocking movement of the frame 45, that accommodates the ail, about the shaft v45 a pair of transversely spaced lift lingers 200,V only one of which is shown in Figure 4, are splined to a shaft 201 thatis journalled a sleeve 202whic1h is welded or otherwise rigidly secured totheunderside ofthe 44 to extend transversely thereof adjacent the inner end of frame 45. These llift fingers include a`lifting nose underlying a transverse component 45 of the frame 45 and a rearwardly extending larm that is controlled by a piston 203 of a single-acting uid motor 204 that, is fastened to a plate' 205 which in turn is fastenedtofthe top of one of the arms 44. AA very strongspringwithin the cylinder' 204 acts to lift the piston 203 upwardly. This arrangement is such that when uidris admittednto the cylinder 204 the piston 203 is projected to engagel a rearwardly extending arm on one of the iingers200 so as to rock the shaft 201 and thus engage the pair of lift fingers 200 against the underside of frame 45 to hold the shaft 47 horizontal when the flail head is passing off the end of Va log or being brought into engagement with the end of another log. AV suitable foot-operated valve, not shown, provides the control of the fiuid to the cylinder 204. When the iiails are engaging a log during debarking', uid is not admitted to the cylinder 204 and the spring lifts the piston 203 upwardly allow# ing the lift-fingers to tilt downwardlyand ythus permitl ting the frame 45 to rock about the shaft 45 to accommodate irregulanities in log or bark contour. The rear;

barking so that the rocking action of the head 45 alone'` is not suliicient to clear this projection the head will pivot about the shaft 41 since the loosely slidable connection between the sleeve 55 and the piston of the motor 55 will `accommodate this action. Thus the lift fingers 200 limit the degree of Vrocking movement ofthe head 45 about the shaft 45','and the motor y204 consti! tutes a position lock for locking the frame 4 5 relativef to the arms 44. To traverse the debarking head, the invention provides a chain-drive mechanism in the form illustrated in Fig'` ures 1 and 2. The chain is illustrated at 56 and passes over spaced sprocket wheels 57 and 58 provided inthe opposite ends of the horizontal rail 3. The carriage 29 4is connected to the upper run of the chain the lower run of which is guided by a supporting ledge 59. 'Plural lugs 60 extend along the side of the rail 3 and support the upper run of the chain.

the chain there is provided a'reversible uid motor 61 having an output shaft carrying a sprocket 62 about which 'v is trained a chain 63 connected to a'further sprocket 64 mounted on a vertical upright part of the framel2.

An additional sprocket 65 is mounted for rotation with the sprocket 64 and a chain 66 passes over a further sprocket 67 which drives the sprocket 58 and `thus the chain. This chain-and-sprocket drive is' in effect a speed'- reducing gear arrangement. Any alternative reducing gear drive known in the art could be utilized in lieu of the chain-and-sprocket drive illustrated.

Adjacent the inlet end of the feed mechanism is af control panel 68 which includes screen like shield portions 69 to protect the operator.

I t is thus clear thatmove? ment of the chain in either direction will move the cara" riage 29 and thus the debarking mechanism. To drive4 The controls are illustrated diagrammatically and embody mechanisms wellll known in the art for controlling the various operations. The panel is shown as including fourswitches 7.0,0 7 1, 72 and 73 and four-cont'lrl'leversl 74, 7.5; 76,177 and'. 79. The switch 70 and -the control jlever 74 control the v motor 22 and thus the drive'forrotating the ball members V5 about the shafts 6. The 'switch71 and the v`con--- trol .lever 7 5teontrol ga pump combination V78 which supvlies tlrid :for ,the hydraulic motor 27 that :controls :the

indeglingfjor positioning of the balls. .'Ijhe switch {72and the control j-'Mvcontrol Athemotor 34 that drives the Hail. A switch AxI3 controls fa .ffurther felectric pump combination, ,not shown, which supplies iluid for actuating the tluidlrnotorjl and controlling ithe ftluid motors and ".underlcontrol vof `the control elements 77 and 79 respectively. #Obviouslyother type control arrangements could be vutilized, git being understood Lthat the mechanism .for rotating the` balls and indexing the `same constitutes Va .workable unit independent of any debarking -actionif `itis desired to use `the `cooperation of the ball elements for `manipulating elongated Vcylindrical objects otherthan logs.

4It -is vthus clear that -the operator can move the debarking mechanism B along the rail 3 as required if the debarking action .is .such that the balls are adjusted to the position shown -in Figure -1 and in effect the log will rotate while the debark-ing means traverses the same. The operator can control the vertical position of the actual debarlcing lhead, that is, the flail end of the carriage, by controlling the lfluid motors 55,` 204 and 155 and the controls Vfor the motor 27 govern the positions of the link andlever system `that effect the indexing of the ball elements.

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the modified form of the debarking mechanism with particular reference to the mounting and drives therefor. ln this form, a roller carriage 129 has upper and lower sets of rollers similar to the form shown in 'Figures 4 and 5 which support the carriage 'for traversing movement along the rail 3. Projecting upwardly from front and rear plates 129 and 129" of the roller carriage are vertical extensions 160 and `161. Ilhese extensions are `apertured and receive a pivot `pin162 which pivotally supports the debarking mechanism for rocking movement about an axis perpendicular to a vertical plane through the rail 3. The actual supporting components for the debarking mechanism in clude asleeve 163 mounted about thepin 162. Welded or otherwise rigidly fastened to the sleeve 163 is another sleeve 164 which extends at right angles thereto and lies in a plane parallel to the rail 3 and above the same. Aturther pivot pin passes through the sleeve 164 and `is secured to respective arms 144 of the frame of .the debarking mechanism. This frame has `at one end, that is the'end overlying the log-handling mechanism, a debarking head similar to the arrangement of Figures 4 and 5 including the vertically adjustable guard bars,

the chain ail and a rotatable shaft 147 `driven by a belt or chain drive 148 from a horizont-al shaft 149 mounted in pillow blocks on top of the arms 144. The shaft 149 is driven by a suitable belt or chain drive from, a gasoline engine 150 supported on a transverse platform 151 welded or otherwise rigidly mounted on the arms 144 near their rear ends. This gasoline engine also functions as part of a counterweight. Depending from the arms 144 rearwardly of the pivot pin 165 is a frame 166 which supports adjustable counterweights 167 which are adjustable on 1a lower element 168 of `the frame 166. Mounted on the rear plate 129 is a vertical strut member 169 which includes at its lower end means to engage a` lower rail similar to the arrangement of Figures 4 and 5. Also mounted on this strut 169 is a spring-supported, housed uid motor 170, a piston 170 of which engages the underside of a transverse brace 171 that connects the arms 144. The piston is connected to this transverse brace by a ball and socket arrangement, not shown. lt thus follows that the actuation of this fluid motor 170 will, raise and lower the debarking mechanism about the axis of the Ypir; 165 while permitting the debarking head to rock about the axis of the pin 162 as required by surface irregularities in the log to be dcbarked. The uid motor 1.70 will further hold the debarking mecha- .8 nism ein active engagement with the 4log `being `debarked in Ea yieidable A-rnarinen To traverse the mechanism a fluid vmotor similar to the tluid motor 61 which is reversibile drives through Aa suitable chain .or belt drive a winch drum 176. Two cables 172and 173 are fastened to the drum and wound thereover in opposite directions and pass over sheaves 174 and 175 located on a vertical upright of the frame 2 at one end of the .rail 3. The cable 172 passes over the sheave 174 `thence through the roller carriage -129 and around a sheave, not shown, at the remote end of the raiLand its .return portion is fastened to the carriage 129. The other cable passes over the sheave 175 and is then secured to the near side of the carriage 129. Thus depending'on the direction of rotation ofthe drum 176 the carriage 129 and the debarking mechanism carried thereby traverses the rail 3 relative -to the loghandling mechanism.

This form of the invention thus contemplates a gasoline engine for driving a llail, and a mounting for the debarking head which permits rocking and tilting movements thereof about two axes at right angles to `one another. Thetilting about the axis 165 parallel to the rail 3 `is accomplished by the fluid motor l170 while the head automatically rocks about `the axis 162 perpendicular tothe rail 3.

yIn connection with the ball-rotating drive 20 illustrated in Figures l and 2, a gasoline engine can be substituted for the electric motor 22.

Further, it is .to be understood that linstead of multiple motors operating separate pumps for the several fluid motors a single pump and receiver including a pressure relief-valve arrangement can be utilized which can be driven by a gasoline or electric prime mover.

Figures 8 and 8a illustrate one form of the tlail chain that may be embodied with the debarking heads described hereinbefore. ln this form the horizontal shaft driven by either the gasoline engine or the electric motor associated with the debarking mechanism 'includes a square central portion 18) extending between the sides of the debarking head and outer journalling portions. This squared central portion 180 has a series of studs 181 projecting outwardly from each side thereof. Over each stud is mounted the end link of a ail chain element 182 which includes four oval links and one triangular log-engaging link at the free end. Overlying each. row of studs is an apertured strap member 133 held in place by nuts engaging the respective studs. The end triangular link is such that one of its sides engages the log surface in a debarking operation substantially parallel to the axis of the log.

Figures 9 and 9a illustrate a further form oi the debarking elements in which the rotatable horizontal shaft includes a series of discs 184, cach of which is apertured in a direction parallel to vthe shaft axis to receive rods 185. ln the arrangement illustrated, there are four rods approximately 90 apart although a different numerical arrangement of rods can be utilized. Between each pair of discs and on each rod is a series of ilail elements. Each ilail element includes a substantially rectangular and flexible link 186. This link is moulded or extruded of reinforced rubber or plastic. At the free end of each liexible link is mounted a substantially rectangular metal link 187. The free and `log-engaging side of the metal link is of greater diameter than the side that is mounted in the exible link so lthat it will wear longer and have a lower center of impact. This form of tlail has numerous advantages over conventional chain liails, among which is the fact that the ail elements cannot become entangled and the metal klinks will always be presented to the log surface wlih the side thereof parallel to the log axis.

Figures l0, l1 and 12 diagrammatically illustrate the log-handling means shown in Figures 1 to 3. In Figure 10 the ball members 4 are adjusted to the positions shown inFigure 3 so that their axes of rotation are yperpendicula'r to .the longitudinal axis of a supported log from whence it follows that a log will be fed'from right to left by the counterclockwise 'rotation of the corrugated ball members as viewed from the front of the machine. Figure 1l illustrates an intermediate position of the ball members following actuation of the fluid motor 27 such that each of the axes of rotation of the balls is at an angle to the axis of the machine whereby the log will be simultaneously fed and rotated about its axis. In Figure 12 there is illustrated the position shown in Figures l and 2 in which the axes of the balls are parallel to the longitudinal axis of a log supported thereon, and such log will merely be rotated on its own axis without any feeding movement.

It is to be understood that the link and lever relationship that couples the ball members for simultaneous movement as shown in the drawings permits a further turning of the balls about their vertical axes in order to provide for retrograde movement of a log or other supported cylindrical article.

It is further to be understood that the mechanism as described and illustrated herein, while primarily intended for manipulating logs, is adaptable for manipulating and handling elongated cylindrical objects such as poles, ship masts, pipe, and rolls of merchandise such as linoleum and the like. Obviously, where necessary, the corrugations can be omitted or covered or cushioned so as not to mar the surface of any object being handled.

It is therefore clear that this invention comprehends a mechanism for manipulating elongated objects including at least two longitudinally aligned transversely spaced pairs of spheroidal supporting elements, means for rotating the elements about horizontal axes and means for turning the elements about vertical axes. Specifically, the elements each include spaced hemispheroidal members that are uted or corrugated. A fluid-operated link-andlever system couples the elements for movement about their vertical axes and gear means including a gear mounted within the elements rotate the same about their horizontal axes.

As specifically applied to a debarking mechanism, the invention comprehends the -combination of the aforedescribed manipulating mechanism with a horizontal trackway extending along one side thereof, and a mobile debarking means which is carried on the trackway and which includes a frame carrying a debarking head and means mounting the frame for rocking and tilting movement toward and away from the ball members about two axes.

It is to be further understood that the log-manipulating mechanism comprised essentially by the frame and the pairs of spheroidal supporting elements mounted thereon, is usually operably associated with a log haul which includes a feed and discharge grouping of uted rollers which are conico-frustum in shape from their outer ends to their centers, or of hour-glass shape between their outer ends. The rollers, depending on the particular plan involved, may be driven rollers at both the feed and discharge ends, or the rollers at one end or the other may be idle rollers, so that this invention can be used with means for feeding a log to the log-manipulating mechanism irrespective of the particular structure this feed means may embody since any of the conventional log hauls known to industry can be utilized.

It is evident that various other structural forms embodying substitutions, eliminations, additions and combinations may be resorted to without departing from the broad function and scope of the appended claims and hence it is not wished to limit the invention in all respects to the exact and specific disclosures of the selected examples illustrated. v

It is to be particularly pointed out that the triangular shape of the yend link on the ails of Figure 8 is of substantial importance. As previously indicated and as shown in thefdrawings, the base of the triangular'link strikes the log in debarking and upon impact there-isa tendency for the triangular link to move into the link that it is connected to, thus the triangular link in operation will be supported at different times by different corners so that the several bases are available for debarking thus increasing the wear factor of this link. Centrifugal force will always ensure that one base ofthe triangular link will strike the log thus providing a larger area of impact than conventional oval or elongated links.

It is further to be pointed out that the spheroidal logsupporting feed elements are operative to properly position logs that are not cylindrical and which are crooked along their length or knotted since the control of the balls permits axial movement of a log back and forth until the optimum position for rotation of the log about its axis is obtained. Once this position has been reached, the debarking mechanism is traversed along the log from left to right in Figure l.

In Figures 13 and 14 is shown a modified form of bark-removing elements that can be used in lieu of chain flails. This form includes a shaft 205 that is journalled inpillow blocks at 206 which are -connected to side elements 207 of the outer frame of the debarking head. While Figure 13 shows tubular side frame elements, it is obvious that the channel members shown in Figures S and 9 can be used. Thus the shaft 205 can be mounted in lieu of either the shaft 47 or 147. Mounted on the shaft 205 are a plurality of pairs of articulated barkremoving tools. As shown each pair of tools includes a hub 208 splined to the shaft 205. Links 209 are respectively pivotally connected at one end to each opposite end of the hubs and at their other ends to a tool body 210. The tool body has opposite edges 211 that are either stellite coated or which comprise cutter inserts. Alternatively a hardened-steel shell could be mounted over the tool body and incorporate the cutting edges. It is to be noted that spacers 212 separate the hubs and alternate hubs are staggered about the shaft axis. The mounting of the tool bodies in pairs provides a dynamic balance and the tools chip the bark from the log. The effective radial length from the center of the shaft 205 to the edge 211 corresponds to the distance from the center of the shaft 20S to the surface of the bar 49 that rides on or engages the wood of a log after bark has been removed. One bar 49 is shown in two positions in Figure 13, with the dotted-line showing illustrating the bar adjusted vertically for use in barking la log having bark approximately two inches thick.

The use of the bark-removing tools shown in Figures 13 and 14 varies somewhat as compared with the chain flails. In using the chain ilails the log is fed in from the right hand end until the best available position for rotation on its axis has been determined having regard to knots and irregularities. The balls are driven counterclockwise as viewed from the right so that the log rotates clockwise and the llail shaft is rotated counterclockwise. With the log rotating on the feed mechanism the ilail is traversed from left to right or reciprocated axially of the log to effect the best bark removal. In contradistinction to this arrangement, the cutting tools of Figures 13 and 14 are operated differently. With this modification, the logs are fed from the left and the drive to the balls is reversed so that the balls when the log has been stopped on the feed table are rotated clockwise to turn the log counterclockwise. Since the cutter shaft rotates counterclockwise, the successive leading edges 211 of the tool bodies will strike the log tangentially in a direction opposite to log rotation and penetrate the bark to the depth determined by the adjustment of the guard bar 49 which adjustment is correlated with the thickness of bark. Thus the -cutters strike the bark as the bark approaches the same to in effect chip the bark olf the log whereas the ails would strike the bark as it passes therebeneath and in effect would abrade the bark or would destroy the frictional adherence `between the bark #and the wood at thefcambiuinllayer. i

:All `forms of the bark-removing tool hereinbefore described have been operated to remove substantially over 90 percent of the bark from the log and as anexample, logs from 14 to 20 in diameter and y18 to 20 long are debarked in from 8 to 20 seconds depending on the contour of the log. Of lcourse a smaller diameter log will be debarked more rapidly than one'of larger diameter.

The invention further comprehends additional modifications in the debarking tools per se. The modication shown in Figures `15 and 16 includes a shaft147 to be mounted in lieu of the shaft `147 or 205. This shaft has four radially extending Vequ'ispaced vanes 148' along its length vso that it resemblesa paddle wheel. These vanes are so drilled that five equispaced apertures 149 are provided in two opposite vanes and six equispaced apertures 150 are provided through the other two opposite vanes. Cap screws 151 are passed through each aperture and through an innermost 4link of a flail chain 152 consisting i of three Seriate links. An apertured plate or bar 153 is then passed over each row of cap screws and nuts 154 clamp 4the bars against the innermost links of the chains to secure the rows of chains to the shaft. The rows of chains are thus staggered similar tothe arrangement of thc cutters in Figures 13 and 14 since the edge rowthat hasfive chain flails extending from the shaft has its tlails positioned between the paths of rotation of adjacent flail chains of the rows that have six chains embodied therein.

The invention contemplates modified forms of mechanism for turning the ball-supporting yokes about the vertical axes provided by the yoke-supporting sleeves such as 16 in Figure 3. Figure 17 `illustrates one such modication in which each yoke-supporting sleeve 316 has a gear 300 mounted thereon in lieu of the levers 23 in the arrangement of Figures 1-3. A line shaft 301 is mounted to extend longitudinally of the axis of the log-handling mechanism at a position between the pairs of sleeves 316.` This line shaft 301 has a plurality of longitudinally spaced worm sections 302 mounted or formed thereon. There is a worm section or gear 302 for each pair of ball arrangements and each worm section 302 is in mesh with the gears 300 carried by the respective pairs of vertical sleeves 316. A suitable means such as a reversible electric motor 303 is coupled to the line shaft 301 through a conventional speed-reducerunit 304 to rotate the lineshaft 301 in opposite directions whereby the yokes, not shown, and thus the spheroidal ball elements that are carried thereby can be indexed through a distance of 360 in either direction.

Figure 18 illustrates another arrangement for etecting complete 360 indexing of the balls. In this diagrammatic view each sleeve 416 has a gear mounted thereon. The gears on one side ofthe longitudinal axis of the log-handling mechanism are double gears and include the portions 400 and 400. The gears on the other side of the longitudinal axis are single gears 400". Intermediate gears 401 are journaled on vertical stub shafts and continuously engage, for each pair of yoke-supporting sleeves, the gear 400" on one side of the longitudinal axis and the gear portion 400 on the other side of the longitudinal axis. A sector gear 402 is journaled on each stub shaft that journals the intermediate gears. Each sector gear is in mesh with the gear portion 400 of the double gears. Levers 403 interconnect the sector gears for simultaneous movement and a piston 404 is pivotally connected at one end to either end sector gear at a point that is intermediate the opposite ends of the sector gear. This piston is moved by a double-acting fluid motor 405. In this arrangement, the sector gears are so dimensioned that a swinging thereof in one direction or the other to the full stroke of the piston will effect a complete revolution of the yokes.

A further modification is shown in Figure 19 and includes an arrangement in which gears 406 are mounted on the yoke-supportingand-turning sleeves 416". mediate gear is arranged between the gears 406 on each An interpair olf-sleeves. This *intermediate gear is a double gear including one gear portion 406 meshing with a pair of the gears'406 on the sleeves and `another gear portion 406 meshing with a portion of a'rack bar407. The rack bar is suitably 'guided as at 408 for longitudinal movement and is connected to or embodied on the end of a piston 409 ofa double-acting fluid motor 410. ln this arrangement, reciprocity of the rack bar will effect opposite rotations of the intermediate gear and thus coordinated rotation of the yokes. Each stroke of the piston and rack bar is sutilcient to effect a 360 rotation of the yokes.

Therefore, the invention broadly comprehends means operably connected with 'each yoke to rotate the same in opposite `directions and to simultaneously rotate the yokes of each pair in the same direction. From a broader standpoint, therefore, the invention contemplates means for turning eachspheroidal element about a vertical axis comprisingmeans for indexing the same through 360 in either direction.

What is claimed is:

1. Means for manipulating elongated substantially 'cylindrical objects comprising at least two longitudinally spaced pairs of transversely spaced spheroidal supporting elements adapted to receive an object thereon and therebetween, means supporting each element for rotation about a horizontal axis including a vertical sleeve supporting the element for turning movement about a vertical axis, means for rotating the elements including a shaft within each sleeve and means operably coupling the shafts to the elements, and means for turning the elements.

2. Means for manipulating elongated substantially cylindrical objects as claimed in claim l, in which the means for turning the elements includes means for interconnecting the elements for simultaneous turning movement while maintaining their axes of rotation in parallelism.

3. Means for manipulating elongated substantially cylindrical objects comprising at least two longitudinally spaced pairs of transversely spaced spheroidal objectsupporting means adapted to receive an object thereon and therebetween, means supporting each object-supporting means for rotation about a horiozntal axis and for turning movement about a vertical axis, means for rotating the object-supporting means, means for adjustably turning the object-supporting means including means interconnecting the same for simultaneous turning movement while maintaining their axes `of `rotation in parallelism, each spheroidal object-supporting means comprising two substantially hernispherical shells, means connectingthe shells in mutually spaced yrelation for simultaneous rotation, and the means for rotating the elements including a vertical shaft coaxial with the turning axis of each object-supportin g means.

4. Means for manipulating elongated substantially cylindricalobjects as claimed in claim 3, in which the means connecting the shells includes a vertically positioned annular gear and a horizontally positioned sleeve in respective interlocked relationship ywith each other and the respective shells.

5. Means for manipulating elongated substantially cylindrical objects comprising at least two longitudinally spaced `pairs of transversely spaced spheroidal object-supporting means adapted to receive an object thereon and therebetween, each spheroidal object-.supporting means comprising a pair of hemispherical shell members, a yoke means, a horizontal shaft means carried by the `yoke means for mounting the shell `members with their bases facing one another, said shaft means supporting each shell member for 'rotation about a horizontal axis, a vertical sleeve supporting each yoke means for turning movement about a vertical axis, means for rotating the pair of shell members of at least one spheroidal object-supporting means ofeach.pai1,'and means operably coupling r the sleeves for simultaneous turning movement to there 13 by turn all the spheroidal object-supporting means to maintain their axes of rotation in parallelism.

6. Means for manipulating elongated substantially cylindrical objects as claimed in claim and means for connecting the pair of shell members of the other spheroidal object-supporting means of each pair for simultaneous and similar rotation with the shell members of said one spheroidal object-supporting means of each pair.

7. Means for manipulating elongated substantially cylindrical objects as claimed in claim 6, in which thev means for simultaneously turning all the sleeves includes lever means coupled with each sleeve and link means coupled with the lever means.

8. Means for manipulating elongated substantially cylindrical objects as claimed in claim 7, and fluid-operated means for actuating the coupled link and lever means.

9. Mechanism for manipulating elongated cylindrical objects such as logs or the like along a horizontal path including a plurality of pairs of Verticaliy dispose/d sleeves, said pairs of sleeves being longitudinally spaced along said path, and the sleeves of each pair being transversely spaced so that said path extends between the sleeves of each pair, a yoke member supported by each sleeve and extending thereabove, a horizontally disposed shaft supported by each yoke member, a spheroidal object-supporting and manipulating means rotatably mounted by each said horizontal shaft, means for rotating each of the spheroidal object-supporting means located on one side of said horizontal path comprising a vertical shaft rotatably mounted within each sleeve and means interconnecting said vertical shaft to its associated horizontal shaft to Icause rotation of the spheroidal object-sup-` porting means upon rotation of said vertical shaft, one end of the vertical shaft protruding below' the sleeve, gear means carried by said one end of each shaft, a line shaft, spaced gears thereon each meshing with a gear on one of the vertical shafts, means for driving the line shaft at variable speeds so as to vary the speed of rotation of the spheroidal object-supporting means, and means for controllably turning the sleeves to thereby turn the yokes and thus the spheroidal object-supporting means including means interconnecting the sleeves of each transversely spaced pair for simultaneous and equal turning movements.

10. Mechanism as claimed in claim 9, in which the spheroidal object-supporting means of each pair are interconnected so that the spheroidal object-supporting means on an opposite side of the horizontal path are simultaneously rotated by the driven vertical shafts on said one side of the horizontal paths.

11. Mechanism as claimed in claim 9, in which the means for controllably turning the sleeves include a gear on each sleeve, a longitudinally extending line shaft between the gears, a plurality of longitudinally spaced worm sections on said line shaft, each worm section meshing with the gears on a pair of sleeves and means for reversibly driving the line shaft whereby the sleeves and thus the yokes and spheroidal object-supporting means can be indexed through a distance of 360 in either direction.

12. Mechanism as claimed in claim 9, in which the means for controllably turning the sleeves includes a gear mounted on each sleeve, an intermediate gear supported between the gears on each pair of sleeves, said intermediate gear constituting a double gear, one gear portion ot the double gear meshing with the gears on the pair of sleeves, a rack bar guided for longitudinal movement between the sleeves and including longitudinally spaced tooth portions each meshing with the other gear portion of the intermediate double gear, and duid-motor means for reciprocating the rack bar to effect rotation of the gears and sleeves and thus the yokes.

13. Mechanism as claimed in claim 9, in which the means for controllably turning the sleeves comprise a gear on each sleeve, the gear on all sleeves on one side of the horizontal path constituting a double gear, an intermediate gear supported between the sleeves of each pair and in mesh with one gear portion of the double gear on one side of the path and with the gear on the sleeve on the opposite side of the path, a pivotally mounted sector gear in meshing engagement with the other gear portion of each double gear, levers interconnecting the sector gears for simultaneous movement, a piston pivotally connected to that sector gear at one end of the group of sector gears at a point intermediate opposite ends of said sector gear and a do-uble-acting iiuid motor for moving the piston to transmit motion to the sector gears and thus through the gears on the sleeves to the sleeves to turn the sleeves and thus the spheroidal object-supporting means. i

14. Mechanism as claimed in claim 13, in which the sector gears are so dimensioned that a swinging movement thereof in one direction to the full stroke of the piston will effect a complete revolution of the yoke means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNTED STATES PATENTS 1,319,000 Holbein Oct. 14, 1919 l1,355,491 Marshall Oct. 12, 1920 1,881,465 Ganes et al. Oct 11, 1932 1,998,714 Focha Apr. 23, 1935 2,038,204 Bidle Apr. 21, 1936 2,165,097 Fuller July 4, 1939 2,233,219 Nicholson Feb. 25, 1941 2,505,168 Augustin Apr. 25, 1950 2,608,223 Eplund et al Aug. 26, 1952 2,626,717 Kraner Jan. 27, 1953 2,630,848 Edwards Mar. 10, 1953 2,667,978 Pridy Feb. 2, 1954 2,671,480 Efurd et al Mar. 9, 1954 2,681,670 Prentice June 22, 1954 FOREIGN PATENTS 534,050 Germany Sept. 22, 1931 577,189 Germany May 26, 1933 135,165 Sweden Apr. 8, 1952 1,050,526 France Sept. 2, 1953 

